How Does Hydration Change as We Age?

As we age, our bodies and their needs
change. You can run around all day as a kid, but a demanding workout
when you’re older will likely leave you feeling sore the next day.
Another demand affected by age is hydration. Let’s take a look at
how your hydration needs and the effects of dehydration change as you
age.

Your body’s water content

A high percentage
of our body is made up of water. That’s why dehydration can be
so dangerous. But, this percentage of water content actually changes
as we age. Water percentage in babies is around 75%, but this quickly
drops to 65% after their first year. On average, adult bodies contain
approximately 55 – 60% water, and this may reduce as you reach your
senior years.

Because older adults have a lower water
content, it’s all the more important for them to drink plenty of
water to keep their fluid levels replenished, especially in hot
weather or if they are physically active.

Young and old are more at risk

It’s not just seniors that are more
at risk of dehydration, but also babies
and infants. Although they have a high water content in their
bodies, they also have a smaller amount of fluid because of their
small size. So, even small changes in the levels of water in their
bodies can have a big impact on their health.

Diuretics and adults

When we reach adulthood, most people
discover the benefits of drinking coffee to stay alert and drinking
alcohol in social settings. While okay in moderation, these drinks
have a diuretic effect, which means they promote urination, making
you lose more fluids. If you regularly drink coffee or if you drink
too much on a night out, then it’s important that you replace those
lost fluids. Drink plenty of water in between other drinks and make
sure you rehydrate
before bed and after waking up.

Weaker thirst signals

Many people only
drink when they feel thirsty. But really, we should be drinking
regularly enough that we don’t get to the point of thirst. As we
get older, particularly past the age of 50, it’s common for that
feeling of thirst to get weaker, even when we need more water.
Because of this, it is even more important for older adults to drink
regularly rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

We hope this has given you an idea of
how important water is at all stages of life. Make sure you have a
steady supply of fresh and delicious water in your home or office
with Mountain Park Spring Water. Get
in touch to find out more about our spring water delivery
service.